BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Summer is prime time for pressing pause. Between sunny skies and school breaks, it’s the season when many people plan getaways. But vacations are more than just a fun escape. They play a vital role in well-being, helping people reset, reconnect, and return with renewed energy.
Psychologist and behavioral expert Art Markman emphasizes that time away is not only enjoyable, but also essential for restoring balance in a fast-paced life. Vacations offer the opportunity to step outside daily routines and reconnect with both ourselves and the people who matter most.
Vacation or trip? Choose with intention
Not all time away is created equal. There are generally two types of getaways: relaxing vacations and activity-filled trips.
A vacation is centered around rest and ease. Think lazy mornings, spontaneous outings, and afternoons spent by the water. This type of getaway works best when daily life feels overwhelming or nonstop, offering a slower pace and the chance to truly recharge.
By contrast, a trip is about exploration and novelty. These tend to involve sightseeing, new experiences, and structured itineraries. While they may be more demanding in the moment, trips often leave us with meaningful memories and a sense of accomplishment.
The key is identifying what kind of break you need. Whether it’s the quiet of a hammock or the buzz of a new city, you should plan it intentionally.
How breaking routine slows time
When every week blends into the next, it’s often because routines dull our sense of time passing. Our brains stop registering new details when our days are predictable, making time feel like it’s slipping by.
Vacations interrupt this rhythm. Experiencing something unfamiliar, whether a different environment or a change in pace, activates new pathways in the brain. Days feel fuller, and looking back, they seem longer and more memorable. Taking a break from routine isn’t just refreshing; it can change how time is experienced.
Use vacation time to reconnect with people
Busy schedules often push relationships to the background. Vacation time provides a rare window to restore those connections. Spending time with loved ones, especially those who live far away, can rekindle bonds that are hard to maintain through texts or phone calls alone.
These in-person moments bring more than joy. They help create a sense of continuity between the past and present. Whether it’s catching up with extended family or simply being fully present with your partner or kids, shared experiences on vacation can strengthen the foundation of your relationships.
Plan ahead to truly disconnect from work
One of the hardest, yet most important, parts of vacation is stepping away from work. Even a quick email check-in can mentally pull you back into work mode, making it harder to fully relax.
To get the most from your time off, set clear boundaries. Prepare your team in advance so they can handle urgent matters without you. Identify tasks that can wait until you return and delegate those that can’t. This way, you can enjoy your break without worrying about what’s happening at the office.
Markman shares that he prefers taking two shorter vacations rather than one long one, because it makes it easier to stay fully unplugged during each break. By planning intentionally, you create the space needed to return recharged and ready to dive back in.
Make your time off meaningful
Whether you’re relaxing, adventuring, or reconnecting with loved ones, summer getaways can be deeply restorative when approached with care. The goal isn’t just to escape; it’s to enrich your life, slow time down, and create space for reflection and joy.
By planning your vacation with purpose and setting boundaries around work, your summer break becomes more than time off. It becomes a true investment in your well-being.
